Somalia RC/HC Mark Bowden

CONVERSATIONS WITH RC/HCS: BEST PRACTICE SERIES

ON PROTECTION FROM SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE OVERVIEW

Kenya RC/HC Aeneas Chuma May 2009

Following the post-election violence in Kenya in 2008, it became clear through assessments and interviews that incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) were common but unreported among the displaced population. To ensure that adequate steps were taken to address SEA and develop an inter-agency SEA network, request was made for deployment of a dedicated IASC Gender Standby Capacity Adviser – GenCap – to assist. Since his arrival in Kenya in 2008, RC/HC Chuma has been an active supporter of the SEA Network. In an interview in April 2008, Mr. Chuma explained Kenya’s approach to protection from SEA.

Liberia RC/ HC/ DSRSG Jordan Ryan July 2008

The Liberia UN Country Team under the leadership of Mr. Ryan realized that, in order to strengthen the UN and NGO system-wide programme to address sexual exploitation and abuse, a full-time dedicated coordinator under the RC/HC would be needed. In June 2006 the UNCT pooled funds to hire a full-time expert on protection from SEA. In an interview in June 2008, Mr. Ryan explained this approach and the successes and challenges he has experienced in addressing sexual exploitation and abuse in Liberia.

Libya RC Brian Gleeson MayMay 20092009

In February 2009, RC Gleeson hosted a learning event for senior management of the Libya UN Country Team (UNCT) and NGO government partners on protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) by UN, NGO and IGO personnel, with support from the ECHA/ECPS UN and NGO Task Force on PSEA. During this learning event, Gleeson stressed that the lack of appropriate response mechanisms in Libya has most likely prevented incidents of SEA from being reported. He emphasized his commitment to leading efforts to scale up PSEA efforts in Libya and urged everyone present to join him in taking “concrete actions” to move forward. RC Gleeson reflects on issues related to SEA in a development context such as Libya and offers some thoughts about how to improve efforts.

Somalia RC/HC Mark Bowden FebruaryFebruary 20092009

In order to advance protection from sexual exploitation and abuse, Mark Bowden hosted a learning event for senior managers from the Somalia UNCT and NGO partners on the issue in November 2008 in his residence. The learning session offered the opportunity for managers to review their management responsibility and discuss challenges to addressing PSEA within Somalia. RC/HC Bowden also supported training for PSEA focal points. In an interview, he shares his expertise and insight about the successes and challenges of addressing sexual exploitation and abuse in Somalia, as well as around the world.

For further information on PSEA efforts, tools and support, contact [email protected].

RC/HC Best Practice Series on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse July 2009 CONVERSATIONS WITH RC/HCS: BEST PRACTICE SERIES

RC/HC Best Practice Series on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse July 2009